Question : BANGLADESHI INFILTRATORS

(a) whether the infiltration by Bangladeshis in the country is continuously increasing;

(b) if so, the number of Bangladeshis infiltrated in the country during the last three years;

(c) the estimated number of Bangladeshi nationals illegally living in the country at present, State-wise;

(d) the measures taken to deport these foreign nationals back to their country during the said period;

(e) whether the Government have held any negotiations over this issue with the Government of Bangladesh during the said period; and

(f) if so, the outcome thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (CH.VIDYASAGAR RAO)

(a) to (c): Yes, Sir. There is a continuous influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh. It is difficult to make a realistic estimate about the number of such illegal Bangladeshi immigrants because they enter surreptitiously and are able to mingle easily with the local population due to ethnic and linguistic similarities.

(d): The powers to identify, detect and deport foreign nationals residing illegally in various parts of the country have been entrusted to the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. Instructions are, therefore, issued to the State Governments and the Union Territory Administrations from time to time to detect and deport Bangladeshi nationals staying illegally in the country.

(e) & (f): The Government of India has taken up the question of illegal immigration of Bangladeshi nationals into India with the Government of Bangladesh at various levels. The official stand of the Government of Bangladesh has been that there are no Bangladeshi illegal immigrants in India.